So Much More Than Soup

So Much More Than Soup

Making soup for 30 - 40 people is less daunting than planning 300 dinners. For that reason, I signed-up to provide a soup lunch on the first Tuesday of the month at Epiphany, Vacaville. This free soup meal supplements the ecumenical Community Dinner each Friday.

In January, only three men showed up, and they showed up early. “Is it soup yet?” they asked. One of the men opined that it was early in the month and people had picked-up food stamps. I had made a tomato vegetable soup, and Starbucks pastries and Panera Bread filled out the menu. Angel thought that a little hamburger would be good in the soup. All three of the men needed hot sauce. One man took two containers with him. All of them thanked us when they left.

On Friday nights, we usually have 60 - 75 people: men, women and children. Most people ask for three additional dinners to take with them. Over and over again we are thanked and blessed.

Epiphany is blessed as well. Three other local congregations take a turn cooking and serving meals. People drop-off gleaned fruit and vegetables, others drop-in to help serve or clean-up. Bread overstocks are available to take home. No one need leave the premises empty-handed or hungry. Sometimes there are clothes, canned goods and toiletries as well.

Anyone who is hungry is welcome. Come on over and drop by; the home-cooked food is great!